… making this happen again:

UB Football could get a very nice start to the decade without any breaking news coming from Amherst, NY. The program’s new head coach will be working triple duty as Cincinnati’s head coach, offensive coordinator and offensive line coach against Florida in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1.

A glorified rehearsal in front of a national audience.

The odds are against Cincinnati in more than one sense. As of now, the Bearcats are 11-point underdogs. More important, the Bearcats lost their head man Brian Kelly and are scrambling to restore player morale and staff stability. They’re going against the former national champions manned by Tim Tebow, college football’s infatuation and ESPN’s favorite Bible reader.

But if we’ve learned anything during this past decade of bowl games, it’s this: the team that comes in most motivated has the advantage. The 2008 Fiesta Bowl comes to mind. A Rich Rodriguez-less West Virginia team came in with an unknown leading the team in Bill Stewart, and as an underdog coming to grips with its coach’s preference to leave it for Michigan.

West Virginia overcame the odds and beat Oklahoma 48-20. Stewart’s 28-point victory gave him the best interview possible, shocking the national audience and landing him the WVU coaching position.

Quinn has already secured the Buffalo job, but this audition will give Bulls fans, players and recruits a rehearsal of what they will see next year.

Back in Buffalo, the UB faithful is temporarily bleeding black and red. Cincy’s interim main headset occupier has received rave reviews from Buffalo fans and beat writers, but a big name won’t keep the fans singing. They want results, and it could be argued that after losing their prized possession in Turner Gill, they need results.

They’re worried about the standout recruiting class Gill put together while his UB Stadium office was occupied. They’re worried that the success they’ve experienced in the past was due solely to Gill.

A Cincinnati win would alleviate these concerns until September. It’ll show that Quinn can rise above and motivate a bunch of lost kids to defeat the defending national champions, impressing potential Bulls that the program’s future is in quality hands.

Kansas got a nice early Christmas gift in Gill, but a Cincinnati win would be a Buffalo stocking stuffer.

By Kyle Bauer

This is a new series on the site, highlighting some of the best tweets by athletes who have used Twitter as a site to further feed their already massive egos and needlessly promote themselves.

Today is Chad Ochocinco. I am a huge fan of Ochocinco. Why? Because I love original characters. People who are not scared to be proud and be different. Seriously, how awesome is Ochocinco. He legally changes his name. Comes up with great celebrations and talks trash better than anyone in the league.

He should sen the league offices Pepto Bismol, instead he is sending them an apology letter….

OGOchoCinco-”Dear NFL League Office, @iamdiddy told me to be great, being great means having fun n celebrating. I’ve written a letter of apology to yall.”

Apparently Puff Daddy told him to do this, or just “be great” which Ochocinco interpreted as putting on the sombrero.

“@iamdiddy big bruh you told me to be great but the NFL keeps fining me!! I’m going to level 5 of greatness–going honeyglaze HAM now grrrr!”

There are many concepts about Ochocinco that intrigue me. Mainly his “levels of greatness.” He has ascended to level five, not sure what this entails. He is trying to get his own brand of condoms, but he should really detail his “levels of greatness” and release a book. I guess “honeyglaze HAM” holds high reverence in his heart. Also like how often he uses “grrr” thats cute.

Another concept of Ochocinco is the league wide pandemic of “H8N5″ aka “Swag Flu.” Apparently Ochocinco has been reeling from it lately.

“WAMW face has been applied as I head to the stadium for the first practice of the week,H8N5 won’t allow me to think straight!Swagg Flu sucks”

This was just in the past day. Ochocinco is already in the Twitter Hall of Fame.

Are you there God?

It’s me, Kyle.

Thank you so very much for giving Cincinnati the will to come back and defeat the evil ’stache. I know your angels were working hard to keep all just and right in the world.  Just when I was beginning to lose faith in all humanity, you saved me. When Pitt place-holder Andrew Janoco inexplicably dropped the snap, I looked up and knew you were there. When Tony Pike lofted up a pass with 39 seconds left, I pointed up towards your direction, in reverence and celebration.

Around the holiday season I want to see good prevail. The evil ’stache would only use his victory to further harm those who get in his way. Some times I get angsty and insecure because every year the evil ’stache looks as though he will finally find the glory that has long eluded him. Thankfully you always find a way to stifle him.

Now I only ask that you use your power to protect the strippers that may be sacrificed in the wake of his loss.

Also, I think I just had my first period. What do I do?!

Thank you God. 

Kyle  Bauer

In all seriousness, I couldnt be more happy that the evil ’stache was defeated. It was favorite coach (Brian Kelly) vs. most despised coach (I think you guys have finally figured it’s Dave Wannstedt). To see Cincinnati to win, and the way they won, was a dream come true.

Speaking of despised coaches, Bo Pelini may be on that list now. The defensive improvement Pelini has made in Nebraska is remarkable. It might be the most noteworthy accomplishment in college football. I do respect him for this. What I do not respect him for, is the call he made late in the fourth quarter to give up a touchdown attempt and go for a field goal. Especially with only a two-point spraed and 1:42 left on the clock. It was a typical overly conservative, douchebag coaching move. With the best quarterback-receiver tandem in the country pacing the cage, you wear down that clock as much as you can. At least make a couple more honest attempts at forcing Texas to need a touchdown and burn another 30 seconds, maybe even more. The Nebraska passing game underneath was tending to rip off small chunks of yardage and was certainly more effective than their brutal running game. Of course, the black-shirts are back and I get why Pelini would put the game on their backs. Still he and Alex Henry, put the Huskers in a very bad position, one that I forseen Texas capitalizing on immeadiately.

I was very much hoping to see Nebraska win. I’m not necesarily a BCS opponent. Really, I wanted to see TCU play Alabama. While I enjoy watching Cincinnatis uptempo style, TCU plays a SEC style of football. Staunch defense comibined with a consistant, pounding, running and short passing game. They would be a good matchup to Alabama. Which I think Mark Ingrim is the best running back in the country, I think TCU’s defense might have a shot at netrualizing him.

Saying that, the Texas defense will bring it against Alabama. There is an intrigue to seeing a smaller program play an SEC powerhouse like Alabama, but Texas is a balanced team that offers a great match up.  There is no definitive answer to whether Texas or TCU is better. The Longhorns have shown many weakenesses this season. TCU has spent majority of the season beating up on San Dieago State.

The best two teams in the country will be playing eachother for the national championship.

This is all I got on the SEC Championship game…

(photo courtesy of inquisitr.com who provided the caption and 
apparently is the media outlet that has the balls to post this picture.)

Last night was another classic installment of (insert Big 10 team here) versus Hawaii. This game has been another Holiday tradition of mine, since Michigan took on the RAINBOW Wariors in their 1998 regular season finale.

Every year I sit down in my chair by the Christmas tree, pour my first glass of egg nog for the season, and stay up until 3am watching this game. Nothing feels better to me when Hawaii beats some Big 10 team “on vacation”. Unfortunately that didnt happen last night, as Wisconsin routed the Warriors. Even more unfortunate, I did not get to see the game. I was at a Christmas Party, at a house that did not get ESPN 2. I was depressed to say the least.

Heres looking forward to the Hawaii Bowl on Christmas Eve.

Also I have to mention Grand Valley State making it to the Division 2 championship game. Currently I am blogging from the GVSU campus and while I unable to attend the game yesterday, I will say that the pride is swelling and the booze is flowing.

Overall, it was a great “Championship Saturday.” The ’stache and Tebow lost. It could had been better but I’ll take it.

Goodnight Jamario Moon

If this report is to be believed, my prediction is out the window almost before the search officially started:

“Cincinnati:
FootballCoachScoop was the FIRST TO REPORT (November 29) that University Officials have been working behind the scenes on a contract extension,
one that could keep Kelly in Cincinnati for a long time.  According to our source, you can expect an announcement soon and it is almost finalized.  Our
source has confirmed that Head Coach Brian Kelly will be the Head Coach at UC next season.  Again, he is NOT a candidate at Notre Dame, which
FootballCoachScoop FIRST REPORTED on November 19.”

I am hearing that Kelly is not the focus of the administration right now but could be offered if some others pass.  If true, and he is offered eventually, I find it very hard to believe he would pass it up.

I am going on the record with my prediction of the new football coach for Notre Dame.  Although Weis is not officially gone (although there are rumors of a potential press conference today), I am going to put it out there that I think Brian Kelly will be the new head football coach at Notre Dame.

My reasoning: he is easily the most logical choice.  Sure, everyone would love Stoops or Meyer but why would they leave their current positions.  This strikes me a lot like the Les Miles to Michigan rumors a couple years ago.  Very rarely do you see a successful coach at a premier program leave to go directly to another premier program.  Sure you can think up reasons for Stoops and Meyer to come, but when that happens take a step back and think about it as if you were them and not an ND fan.

Brian Kelly makes the most sense:

• He is hungry
• He has shown he can win as a head coach at every level he has coached at
• He has shown he can DEVELOP players
• He has shown he can MOTIVATE players
• Cincy is not a premier program and a jump to a big-time school is inevitable (whether it’s ND or somewhere else)
• His background in politics – that tells me he will be able to handle the white-hot spotlight

I don’t think his Irish-Catholic background would be a factor in the decision but it is a nice thing for the fan base.  He has a Bearcat team that had to replace 10 defensive starters undefeated and knocking on the door to back-to-back BCS games.  There are some questions – his offense being labeled as gimmicky, his ability to recruit nationally – but he has the intangibles that Weis lacked (motivating and developing talent).  On top of that his track record is stunning.  All the guy needs is a chance on the big stage.

Week 6 ends by bringing us the first BCS ranking – big deal! But there was something more pathetic than the BCS – and that’s Michigan for playing Delaware State. I frown hosting any nonD1 team anytime, but doing so in midseason is quite sorry. Sorry Wolverine fans, you may have to run the table to earn any respect here.

On a positive note, thought I’d toss out something to ponder. How many BCS teams have won three road games this year against BCS opponents? Sorry, neutral-field games don’t count.

• Certainly not Texas or Penn State as with their one road game.
• Not Florida since they have only played two away games.
• Georgia, Ga. Tech, Miami (FL), and Va. Tech have played interesting schedules, but they haven’t done it.
• Houston has captured the hearts of many, but they have only two.
• Keep thinking as the answer is given below the rating

Week 6 put the big kibosh onto Ohio State, Auburn, and Va. Tech – well, at least for now. Texas and Oklahoma State made pleas to get into these rankings. Florida survived a scare, while Boise won over a notable opponent.

These are the rankings based on results, not speculations and predictions. I know it’s different, but that’s why this is called They’ve Earned It. For those needing more explanation, read this post about PreSeason Rankings.

Up- Georgia Tech. Iowa, Cincinnati, Florida,
Down- Oregon, Miami, LSU, Houston
New – USC,
Out- Va. Tech

They’ve Earned It Top 10

1. Alabama (7-0) Next: Tennessee
2. Georgia Tech (5-1) Next: @ Virginia
3. Iowa (7-0) Next: @ Michigan State
4. Cincinnati (6-0) Next: @ Louisville
5. USC (5-1) Next: Oregon State
6. Florida (6-0) Next: @ Mississippi State
7. Oregon (5-1) Next: @ Washington
8. Miami (5-1) Next: Clemson
9. LSU (5-1) Next: Auburn
10. Houston (5-1) Next: SMU

Besides games involving the top 10 teams, here are the potential ranking-impact games.

• Air Force @ Utah
• Oklahoma State @ Baylor
• Penn State @ Michigan
• South Florida @ Pitt
• TCU @ BYU
• Texas @ Missouri
• UConn @ West Virginia

ANSWER: The 3 BSC teams with 3 road wins against BCS opponents: Cincinnati, Iowa, and USC whose opponents have a collective record of 13-5, 15-6, and 13-6 respectably. Keep in mind where those three teams were responsible for 3 of the losses.

Final Week 1 stats 10-4

Hey Football Fiends!

It’s the MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR once again! College football is back!!!!

I’m instituting a new policy this year. If your FBS team is taking on an FCS team to pad their win record, I am NOT picking that game in my weekly lineup. It is time FBS and especially BCS teams step up to the plate and stop playing “directional schools.”  And yes, I am looking at you #1 ranked Florida. Shame on you for scheduling Charleston Southern. And don’t think you escape scrutiny#2 Texas for scheduling Louisiana-Monroe.

Hell, it would be nice if LSU would play a Pac-10 team with a winning record. Scheduling Washington isn’t much better than scheduling a “directional school.”  Why not play Cal? Oregon? Or, hell, even USC. Why not settle this once and for ALL LSU? FTR, LSU’s last loss to a Pac 10 school was to USC. In 1979. They have not played us since.

Oh and Oregon player LeGerrette Blount should be throw off the team and have all scholarships revoked, IMHO.

So, without further ado, I bring you my Week 1 College Football Picks:

Alabama over VA Tech

USC over San Jose State

UCLA over SDSU

Ohio State over Navy

Oklahoma over BYU

Mizzou over Illinois

Stanford over Wazzou

Cal over Maryland

LSU over Washington

Colorado over Colorado State

Rutgers over Cincy

-Your Gridiron Goddess

Read the debate intro, Loyal Homer’s argument that the BCS does not deserve an automatic BCS bowl bid, and Bleacher Fan’s argument that it does.

This is a difficult verdict, because the debaters concentrated on one year, 2008, by which to judge the Big East’s contribution to the BCS and college football. This approach further reinforces the “what have you done for me lately” mentality that plagues American sports culture, and college football fandom. So, for this verdict, I’ll acknowledge recent history, then add in some historical context.

Bleacher Fan brought up last year’s bowl season, claiming that the Big East was impressive because 75 percent of their football schools (six) made bowl games. I completely reject this as a valid metric for two reasons. First, there are 34 – 34!!! – bowl games on the docket for the 2009-2010 season. That means 68 teams need to be “eligible” for bowl games. Plus, even Conference USA had 50 percent of their teams bowl eligible. It is not a stretch to discern that many of the teams who played in bowl games year were not deserving. Second, the ACC had 10 bowl teams last year, and many of the Big East defenders who have commented here and on our Twitter timeline are claiming that the Big East is not as bad as the ACC. However, “they suck, so we can suck to” is not a valid argument.

Last season did not yield many quality non-conference wins for the Big East, either. The only true quality win by anyone in the Big East was South Florida’s win over then-ranked #11 Kansas. A good win. But, compare that to the other top teams in the conference:

• Cincinnati: The conference champ lost to ACC winner Virginia Tech and #5 ranked Oklahoma, their only two opportunities for quality non-conference wins all season.
• Pittsburgh: Opened their season with a non-conference loss to Bowling Green and needed four overtimes to defeat a 3-9 Notre Dame team.
• West Virginia: Their only quality non-conference opportunities were Colorado and East Carolina… both of which they lost.
• Rutgers: Another Big East bowl eligible team lost to Fresno State, North Carolina (their only quality non-conference opportunities) and even lost to Navy.

Contrast that mess with what a non-automatic BCS bid conference like the Mountain West did. Their champ, Utah, defeated an Oregon State team that the week prior beat #1 in the country Southern Cal, and defeated Alabama – handily – in a BCS bowl game. Ouch to the Big East. Not a good recent record for the conference to make a stand.

But, it can’t all be about 2008… though it’s hard to deny that the Big East is not just following a trend.

Some history. How has the Big East done through the history of the BCS (read: quality non-conference games). Here’s the list since the inception of the BCS in 1998:

• 1998 Conference Champ: Syracuse (8-3) loses to Florida 31-10 in the Orange Bowl. 0-1
• 1999 Conference Champ: Virginia Tech (now ACC) (11-0) loses to Florida State 46-29 in the Fiesta Bowl. 0-2
• 2000 Conference Champ: Miami (now ACC) (10-1) beats Florida 37-20 in the Sugar Bowl. 1-2
• 2001 Conference Champ: Miami (now ACC) (11-0) beat Nebraska 37-14 in the Rose Bowl. 2-2
• 2002 Conference Champ: Miami (now ACC) (12-0) loses to Ohio State 31-24 in the Fiesta Bowl. 2-3
• 2003 Conference Champ: Miami (now ACC) (10-2) beats Florida State 16-14 in the Orange Bowl. 3-3
• 2004 Conference Champ: Pittsburgh (8-3) loses to Utah 35-7 in the Fiesta Bowl. 3-4
• 2005 Conference Champ: West Virginia (10-1) beat Georgia 38-35 in the Sugar Bowl. 4-4
• 2006 Conference Champ: Louisville (11-1) beats Wake Forest 24-13 in the Orange Bowl. 5-4
• 2007 Conference Champ: West Virginia (10-2) beats Oklahoma 48-28 in the Fiesta Bowl. 6-4
• 2008 Conference Champ: Cincinnati (11-3) loses to Virginia Tech 20-7 in the Orange Bowl. 6-5

One national championship is pretty good. But, the Big East has never – NEVER – received an at-large BCS bid for one of their teams. To contrast, the Big 10 (seven), SEC (five), Big 12 (four), Independent (three), Pac-10 (two), WAC (two), and Mountain West (two) have all received them. The only other conference with an at-large goose egg is the ACC.

And the overall 6-5 historical record is average, and far below average when considering that three of those wins (including the championship) belong to a program that is no longer in the conference.

The resume is unimpressive from the Big East, both recent history and a deeper dive into the BCS. Is it enough to jettison the conference from the ranks of the BCS automatic qualifiers? Yes. So I must award the victory to…

LOYAL HOMER!!!!!

While Bleacher Fan offered many, many excuses for the Big East, Loyal Homer had one valid point that stood out: Attendance figures are dwindling for Big East football programs. Though a small but steady slide is apparent, recent performances, combined with a poor history against the best competition in college football, has not won fans back. Attendance is important because it translates to the strength –and willingness to travel – in the diehard fan base. Additionally, losing the heart and soul of Big East football tradition to the ACC has completely reversed expectations for Big East football. When Connecticut does well (starting last season 5-0) the collective national voice is “surprised.” There is no team that is expected to dominate year in and year out – a respect requisite in college football.

When the BCS charter expires in 2014, the committee must take a long look at whether the Big East belongs among the ranks of the automatic bids. According to the arguments presented here, they don’t.

Cincinnati head football coach Brian Kelly. ESPN.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

7:51 PM

Cincinnati’s head coach, Brian Kelly, and South Florida head man Jim Leavitt are being named as big time candidates for the Tennessee head coaching job, reports the Knoxville News Sentinel.

Kelly was already considered a front-runner for the position, but never publicly had it been confirmed by a reliable source. On the other hand, Jim Leavitt had not even been considered alive in the race to supplant Fulmer as the Volunteer’s 21st head coach.

Leavitt’s South Florida teams have reached big highs- a number two ranking in 2006- in its short I-A history, but this season has lost some luster. The Bulls started the season 5-0, but has since only been able to muster a 6-4 tally on the year-four of those losses being in critical Big East games. Though in Leavitt’s defense, he has brought a once non-existant program to unthinkable plateaus in such a short time frame. He has also established solid recruiting ties in a crowded college football state while going up against the likes of Miami, Florida, and Florida State.

The early leading candidate for the UT opening, Kelly, burst onto the scene last year. His electrifying offense and opportunistic secondary was what allowed Kelly to get on his feet in a BCS conference.

The one knock folks can have on the Massachusetts native is his lack of a track record on the recruiting trail at Cincinnati. The up-and-coming coach has not exactly stockpiled NFL talent, but one must take into consideration Kelly’s product he’s advertising.

Tennessee’s athletic director, Mike Hamilton, commented that a coaching decision could be made by early December.

We’ll see if one these hot commodities will be snatched up by the orange consumer.

Prominent players who have worn the legendary Eagles jersey share their fondest single-game experience and memories – some are championship games, while others seem ordinary save for extraordinary personal meaning. Legendary Eagles like Chuck Bednarik and Tommy McDonald are among those former players profiled. The books provides an in-depth look into the men and games that helped shape and build the Philadelphia Eagles franchise to the elite status it now holds. Other Eagles featured include Bill Bergey, Seth Joyner, Keith Jackson, Gary Cobb, Brian Baldinger, Bill Bradley, and Vince Papale.

Game of My Life Philadelphia Eagles: Memorable Stories of Eagles Football (Game of My Life) is available at Amazon for $16.47. To Order click here
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• NFL Films – The Philadelphia Eagles – The Complete History
• Game of My Life: Philadelphia Phillies: Memorable Stories of Phillies Baseball (Game of My Life)
• Tales from the Eagles Sidelines
• One Last Read: The Collected Works of the World’s Slowest Sportswriter
• The Eagles Encyclopedia

Prominent players who have worn the legendary Eagles jersey share their fondest single-game experience and memories – some are championship games, while others seem ordinary save for extraordinary personal meaning. Legendary Eagles like Chuck Bednarik and Tommy McDonald are among those former players profiled. The books provides an in-depth look into the men and games that helped shape and build the Philadelphia Eagles franchise to the elite status it now holds. Other Eagles featured include Bill Bergey, Seth Joyner, Keith Jackson, Gary Cobb, Brian Baldinger, Bill Bradley, and Vince Papale.

Game of My Life Philadelphia Eagles: Memorable Stories of Eagles Football (Game of My Life) is available at Amazon for $16.47. To Order click here
Amazon Product Pages contain a lot of other details on this product as Customer Reviews, Sales Ranking, Special Offers, Alternate products that customers are going for and much more.Want to read these details? click here

Want to get some other Format / Binding / Version? You can search for them from here

Other Products of Interest

• NFL Films – The Philadelphia Eagles – The Complete History
• Game of My Life: Philadelphia Phillies: Memorable Stories of Phillies Baseball (Game of My Life)
• Tales from the Eagles Sidelines
• One Last Read: The Collected Works of the World’s Slowest Sportswriter
• The Eagles Encyclopedia

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Hot: Iowa

People may have already been congratulating Penn State on their undefeated season and impending trip to the national championship game, but Iowa was not among them. They proved this weekend that no matter how good a team is, the season is not over until every game is marked off the calendar. Right, Florida? USC? What’s most entertaining is that Daniel Murray, who kicked the game-winning FG with one second to go, was only 1 of 3 on field goal attempts coming into the game. He actually hadn’t made one since the season opener! Nice!

Not: Tennessee

Remember the curse of the “W” and how Wyoming was among those terrible, terrible, TERRIBLE teams? Well, apparently Tennessee is even MORE terrible. As if losing to the Crudy Cowboys wasn’t bad enough, the Vols did it at home on Homecoming. Yes, the lowest-scoring team in college football held the Vols to seven points, their lowest-scoring non-conference game in six years. SUPER ouch! 

Hot: Texas Tech

Yes, they’ve still got it. Like most of the nation, I was pumped up to watch another nail-biting, high-scoring shoot out Saturday night. Instead, I nodded off for a good portion of Tech’s lopsided victory over Oklahoma State. Remember, though, Red Raiders, just like Penn State learned this weekend, the season is not over until every game is finished. Oklahoma is going to be a crazy tough hurdle to overcome.

Not: Schools talking to Coach Pete

Rumor has it that several schools are trying to persuade Chris Peterson to leave Boise State. To those schools, I have this to say: “You can’t have him. So there!” Scary, right? Seriously, though, Coach Pete already committed to “Beat Coach Pete” so he pretty much has to stay at BSU forever! http://rec.boisestate.edu/beatpete/index.cfm

Hot: Pat Hill’s pants….which are on fire

According to the commentators in yet another pathetic Fresno State loss, Pat Hill cited the reason for Fresno’s tough non-conference scheduling as that they can’t get anyone else to play them. Yeah right, Pat! Let’s review: Fresno does or does not have a good track record against schools at or below their level? DOES NOT is the correct answer. So tell me, Pat, why exactly would those teams have a reason to be scared to play you? Shame on you for lying.  

Not: WVU’s overtime loss

Just when things were back on track, West Virginia loses to Cincinnati in overtime and Michigan beats Minnesota! For much of the game, the Mountaineers never even looked to have a chance at winning. They were down 20 to 7 at the start of the fourth quarter. From there it was Fiesta Bowl-level craziness to take the game into overtime. WVU scored a safety, a TD complete with a 2-point conversion, recovered an on-sides kick, and made a 52-yard FG to tie up the game! PHEW! Going into overtime, it seemed like WVU was destined to win, but they could only manage a FG on their possession. From there, the offense could only watch helplessly as the Mountaineer defense roughed the passer and failed to stop the Bearcats’ TD attempt.  

Hot: George Iloka….and the rest of the team too!

Bronco fans were definitely non-plussed with the plethora of mistakes in Saturday’s game. However, on paper, the Broncos are wicked hot (unless you look at the penalties…)! FOUR players passed for TDs: Coughlan, Perretta, Moore, Bissel.  The offense accrued 563 yards. The defense forced SIX turnovers. FIVE different players scored: Pettis, Powers, Childs, Johnson, Perretta. But my favorite player of the game was George Iloka who snagged two interceptions!

Not: Football fan fatalities

This is most definitely the most unimpressive thing in college football right now. Apparently, a heated argument about the Alabama/LSU game led to the fatal shooting of two fans. Read the limited details here:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3693334

Hot: Ball State

Quietly, but steadily, Ball State continues to win and climb in the polls. The undefeated Cardinals are now sitting at 14 in the BCS poll. Ball State, currently 9-0, is having its best season in more than forty years. And Wednesday night, they had a chance to show the nation why. The Cardinals easily breezed past MAC opponent Northern Illinois, beating them 45 to 14 when all was said and done.

Not: Not getting to watch Utah versus TCU

When two ranked potential BCS busters play, shouldn’t that be televised? On a channel people get? Rather than watching an exciting TCU/Utah game that could have had major implications for other BCS hopefuls, we had to sit through the Maryland/Virginia Tech game instead, just to see the score scroll by on the bottom of the screen! A wag of the finger to you, programming decision makers!

UPDATE: After seeing the video on SportsCenter several times, I can see that the play made an impression on more than just me. The player involved was Cincinnati’s Mardy Gilyard and his unintentional victim was 7-year-old Garrett Monroe. For his trouble, Garrett was interviewed during the game by ESPN’s Erin Andrews and then signed autographs for fans around him. No one interviewed Gilyard, but it was a classy gesture on his part. Click on the image below to see it. The play itself and the interview are a ways into the highlight, so be patient.

In this video highlight from ESPN, Cincinnati receiver Mardy Gilyard shows some tenderness for a fan who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I just saw a college football player from the University of Cincinnati go crashing into the stands after trying to make a touchdown catch.

The cool part was when we realized that he had run over a small child he quickly removed his helmet and gave the tearful boy a hug to comfort him.

This gesture spoke volumes to me. Way more than any celebration, taunting, dancing or yelling. Just a beautiful moment.

And now back to the cruel world.